Published 5:16 am, Tuesday, May 1, 2012

The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Monday announced the release of the 2012 Texas Cancer Plan, a guide outlining actionable, achievable goals, objectives and strategies related to reducing the burden of cancer for communities and individuals across Texas. This is the first plan to be released for Texas since 2005.

Cancer is the leading cause of death among Texans under the age of 85. In 2012, it is estimated that more than 110,000 Texans will be diagnosed with cancer, and approximately 39,000 Texans are expected to lose the fight against cancer this year. While these statistics are startling, the news is not all somber.

“This strategic plan renews our state’s commitment to families who have been impacted by cancer,” said Senator Jane Nelson, Chairman of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee. “Investing in cancer prevention and research not only saves lives - it cements Texas’ place as a worldwide leader in the fight against this terrible disease.”

The Plan identifies five high-impact priority areas for 2012-2016, each poised to yield significant returns in the fight against cancer over the next four years. The areas were selected based on cancer trends, health disparities and available evidence-based strategies. They are:

• Decrease tobacco initiation and use, and exposure to second hand smoke

• Increase screening and early detection for breast, cervical, and colon and rectum cancers

“Cancer is a disease that touches all Texans,” remarked Dr. Becky Garcia, CPRIT’s chief prevention officer. “We may not have all the answers for ending cancer today, but there are many things we can do right now to mitigate its impact or prevent it altogether. In developing the 2012 Plan, our aim was to make these actions accessible to everyone. The success of the Plan depends on you. It depends on me. It depends on all Texans.”

The new Plan sets ambitious goals for the state. Some examples include:

• Decrease by 25 percent the percentage of youth who report smoking or using smokeless tobacco

• Increase by 85 percent the percentage of youth who have completed the HPV vaccination series

To learn more about the Plan and explore tools for helping to realize its goals, please visit www.txcancerplan.org.

CPRIT is required by statute to facilitate the development of the Plan. A work group was created to assist with development of Plan goals, objectives and strategic actions, and included representation from the following organizations: American Cancer Society; Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services; the Cancer Alliance of Texas; CentroMed; Coastal Bend Rural Health Partnership; Lance Armstrong Foundation; Life Beyond Cancer Foundation; MD Anderson Cancer Center; Susan G. Komen for the Cure; Texas AgriLife Extension Service; Texas Department of State Health Services; the Texas Life Science Foundation; Texas Tech University Health Services Center; and University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. CPRIT also hosted an online comment tool during the development of the Plan, allowing for public comment from organizations, community leaders, cancer survivors and family and friends affected by the disease.